Sal Khan and West Hempstead: Building for New York's New Graduation Requirements
Live Conversation | September 23, 2026 | 12:00 PM ET
West Hempstead UFSD has spent eighteen months turning Khan Academy from an informal classroom tool into a districtwide practice, now used daily by classroom teachers, ENL staff, intervention specialists, speech therapists, and PE teachers, reaching approximately 1,660 students across the district.
On September 23, Sal Khan will join the teachers and leaders behind that work for a live conversation:
Dina Reilly, Assistant Superintendent for Curriculum and Instruction
Dr. Katie DiGregorio, Director of Learning — ENL, Data, & Student Success
Ms. Brianna Monzert, Cornwell Avenue School
Ms. Kelly Lynch, George Washington Intermediate School
Ms. Catherine Klein, Secondary School
Ms. Erin Geiger, Secondary School
Topics will include:
Why West Hempstead built toward New York's new graduation requirements before the rules were finalized
What skill-level mastery data reveals that a report card cannot
Why teachers were asked to try AI tools a set number of times, not to master them, and why that approach succeeded where a mandate would not
How the district responded when students began prompting AI for answers instead of using it to learn
Districts navigating the same shift toward demonstrated proficiency are encouraged to attend.
Register now: khanacademy-org.zoom.us/webinar/register/5217811152917/WN_av6ySJpkSpOL6C4kUVtcjA
Live Conversation | September 23, 2026 | 12:00 PM ET
West Hempstead UFSD has spent eighteen months turning Khan Academy from an informal classroom tool into a districtwide practice, now used daily by classroom teachers, ENL staff, intervention specialists, speech therapists, and PE teachers, reaching approximately 1,660 students across the district.
On September 23, Sal Khan will join the teachers and leaders behind that work for a live conversation:
Dina Reilly, Assistant Superintendent for Curriculum and Instruction
Dr. Katie DiGregorio, Director of Learning — ENL, Data, & Student Success
Ms. Brianna Monzert, Cornwell Avenue School
Ms. Kelly Lynch, George Washington Intermediate School
Ms. Catherine Klein, Secondary School
Ms. Erin Geiger, Secondary School
Topics will include:
Why West Hempstead built toward New York's new graduation requirements before the rules were finalized
What skill-level mastery data reveals that a report card cannot
Why teachers were asked to try AI tools a set number of times, not to master them, and why that approach succeeded where a mandate would not
How the district responded when students began prompting AI for answers instead of using it to learn
Districts navigating the same shift toward demonstrated proficiency are encouraged to attend.
Register now: khanacademy-org.zoom.us/webinar/register/5217811152917/WN_av6ySJpkSpOL6C4kUVtcjA
"West Hempstead has become such an important part of both my personal and professional journey. This district has given me the opportunity to grow through different roles, learn from incredible people, and now have the privilege of leading a school in a community I already know and care so deeply about. What I appreciate most is the people; there is a genuine commitment to our kids and to one another that makes West Hempstead feel like home."
The Three-Legged Stool: What Kindergarten Teaches Us About the Whole Child
You learned everything you really need to know in kindergarten. This week at @WHChestnut, our youngest Rams reminded us why that old saying still holds up.
Watching our students trace letters around the table, work through their goals on their tablets, or huddle together over a piece of chalk designing something entirely their own, you see education happening in real time, and it isn't just academic. It's a three-legged stool: social, emotional, and academic. All three legs have to be sturdy, or the whole thing tips over.
Our kindergarten and UPK classrooms are where WHe build that stool. Students are learning to share the crayon tray, to wait their turn, to celebrate a friend's drawing as much as their own, right alongside their letters and numbers. That's not a "soft skill" add-on to the real work of school; it is the real work of school. Academic learning sticks because the social and emotional foundation holds it up.
Thank you to our @WHChestnut teachers and staff for building that foundation, one shared crayon, one patient hand over a tablet, one sidewalk chalk sun at a time. 🖤💛
#WHeRiseTogether
You learned everything you really need to know in kindergarten. This week at @WHChestnut, our youngest Rams reminded us why that old saying still holds up.
Watching our students trace letters around the table, work through their goals on their tablets, or huddle together over a piece of chalk designing something entirely their own, you see education happening in real time, and it isn't just academic. It's a three-legged stool: social, emotional, and academic. All three legs have to be sturdy, or the whole thing tips over.
Our kindergarten and UPK classrooms are where WHe build that stool. Students are learning to share the crayon tray, to wait their turn, to celebrate a friend's drawing as much as their own, right alongside their letters and numbers. That's not a "soft skill" add-on to the real work of school; it is the real work of school. Academic learning sticks because the social and emotional foundation holds it up.
Thank you to our @WHChestnut teachers and staff for building that foundation, one shared crayon, one patient hand over a tablet, one sidewalk chalk sun at a time. 🖤💛
#WHeRiseTogether
It's a WHonderful Day at @CornwellAveES
This week, students at Cornwell Avenue worked hard to build foundational literacy and math skills. From reviewing letter sounds and practicing letter formation to writing personal stories, our youngest Rams are showing just how much they know and how far they've come. It is always a WHonderful day at Cornwell Ave. 🖤💛
This week, students at Cornwell Avenue worked hard to build foundational literacy and math skills. From reviewing letter sounds and practicing letter formation to writing personal stories, our youngest Rams are showing just how much they know and how far they've come. It is always a WHonderful day at Cornwell Ave. 🖤💛
Sal Khan and West Hempstead: Building for New York's New Graduation Requirements
Live Conversation | September 23, 2026 | 12:00 PM ET
West Hempstead UFSD has spent eighteen months turning Khan Academy from an informal classroom tool into a districtwide practice, now used daily by classroom teachers, ENL staff, intervention specialists, speech therapists, and PE teachers, reaching approximately 1,660 students across the district.
On September 23, Sal Khan will join the teachers and leaders behind that work for a live conversation:
Dina Reilly, Assistant Superintendent for Curriculum and Instruction
Dr. Katie DiGregorio, Director of Learning — ENL, Data, & Student Success
Ms. Brianna Monzert, Cornwell Avenue School
Ms. Kelly Lynch, George Washington Intermediate School
Ms. Catherine Klein, Secondary School
Ms. Erin Geiger, Secondary School
Topics will include:
Why West Hempstead built toward New York's new graduation requirements before the rules were finalized
What skill-level mastery data reveals that a report card cannot
Why teachers were asked to try AI tools a set number of times, not to master them, and why that approach succeeded where a mandate would not
How the district responded when students began prompting AI for answers instead of using it to learn
Districts navigating the same shift toward demonstrated proficiency are encouraged to attend.
Register now: khanacademy-org.zoom.us/webinar/register/5217811152917/WN_av6ySJpkSpOL6C4kUVtcjA
Live Conversation | September 23, 2026 | 12:00 PM ET
West Hempstead UFSD has spent eighteen months turning Khan Academy from an informal classroom tool into a districtwide practice, now used daily by classroom teachers, ENL staff, intervention specialists, speech therapists, and PE teachers, reaching approximately 1,660 students across the district.
On September 23, Sal Khan will join the teachers and leaders behind that work for a live conversation:
Dina Reilly, Assistant Superintendent for Curriculum and Instruction
Dr. Katie DiGregorio, Director of Learning — ENL, Data, & Student Success
Ms. Brianna Monzert, Cornwell Avenue School
Ms. Kelly Lynch, George Washington Intermediate School
Ms. Catherine Klein, Secondary School
Ms. Erin Geiger, Secondary School
Topics will include:
Why West Hempstead built toward New York's new graduation requirements before the rules were finalized
What skill-level mastery data reveals that a report card cannot
Why teachers were asked to try AI tools a set number of times, not to master them, and why that approach succeeded where a mandate would not
How the district responded when students began prompting AI for answers instead of using it to learn
Districts navigating the same shift toward demonstrated proficiency are encouraged to attend.
Register now: khanacademy-org.zoom.us/webinar/register/5217811152917/WN_av6ySJpkSpOL6C4kUVtcjA
Come check out our Rams who are playing home this week!
If you are looking for West Hempstead gear, this is the site to check out and it's only open for 4 more days!
https://bsnteamsports.com/shop/WHHSSTF26
https://bsnteamsports.com/shop/WHHSSTF26
🏈🎉 Homecoming is here, Ram Fam! Join us Saturday, September 26, for our Homecoming Parade — line up at 12:00 p.m. at the District Office on Chestnut St.; the parade starts at 12:30 p.m.
Then stick around for the Carnival at 1:00 p.m. and cheer on our Rams vs. Elmont at 2:00 p.m.! Please bring a non-perishable food item for the food pantry.
See you there! 🐏⚫🟡 #WHUFSD #RamFam #Homecoming2026
Then stick around for the Carnival at 1:00 p.m. and cheer on our Rams vs. Elmont at 2:00 p.m.! Please bring a non-perishable food item for the food pantry.
See you there! 🐏⚫🟡 #WHUFSD #RamFam #Homecoming2026
Never Forget: Honoring 9/11 Across WHUFSD
Twenty-five years later, remembering September 11th matters more than ever, and today our RamFam community showed up in a big way.
At the elementary level, students and staff placed nearly 800 mini American flags on the front lawns of our schools, a quiet, powerful tribute to the thousands of lives lost. Classes also took part in "Service Pledge" activities inspired by 911day.org, learning that 9/11 is both a National Day of Service and a Day of Remembrance: an opportunity to give back to our community while honoring those we lost.
At the secondary level, students took part in various lessons, including a moving lesson centered on "the man in the red bandana," Welles Crowther, whose courage saved a dozen lives in the South Tower before he lost his own. Using primary source material, including "102 Minutes," students pieced together his story and reflected on what it means to act with bravery for others.
From our youngest Rams to our oldest, today was about connection: connecting students to history, to service, and to each other. Grief transformed into good, exactly as 9/11 Day was designed to do.
Thank you to our teachers, staff, and students for making today so meaningful.
WHe Rise Together
Twenty-five years later, remembering September 11th matters more than ever, and today our RamFam community showed up in a big way.
At the elementary level, students and staff placed nearly 800 mini American flags on the front lawns of our schools, a quiet, powerful tribute to the thousands of lives lost. Classes also took part in "Service Pledge" activities inspired by 911day.org, learning that 9/11 is both a National Day of Service and a Day of Remembrance: an opportunity to give back to our community while honoring those we lost.
At the secondary level, students took part in various lessons, including a moving lesson centered on "the man in the red bandana," Welles Crowther, whose courage saved a dozen lives in the South Tower before he lost his own. Using primary source material, including "102 Minutes," students pieced together his story and reflected on what it means to act with bravery for others.
From our youngest Rams to our oldest, today was about connection: connecting students to history, to service, and to each other. Grief transformed into good, exactly as 9/11 Day was designed to do.
Thank you to our teachers, staff, and students for making today so meaningful.
WHe Rise Together
Today we pause to remember the lives lost on September 11, 2001, and honor the courage of first responders and everyday heroes. We teach our students to carry that spirit of service and unity forward. #NeverForget #September11
A Day in the Life at WH
From the gym to the classroom to the PAES lab, our students and staff showed us what growth looks like from every angle this week.
Some students headed to recess for a game of hoops, building friendships and teamwork one basket at a time. In another room, students are learning a second language from a teacher whose passion for the subject is contagious. In our PAES lab, a dedicated team of adults is supporting students as they build independence and confidence in their own work. And our Junior VE team members are hard at work, preparing for their next step with their dedicated teacher guiding the way.
It's a reminder that no two moments at WH look the same, but they're all rooted in the same belief: every student, every path, every day matters.
WHe Rise Together
From the gym to the classroom to the PAES lab, our students and staff showed us what growth looks like from every angle this week.
Some students headed to recess for a game of hoops, building friendships and teamwork one basket at a time. In another room, students are learning a second language from a teacher whose passion for the subject is contagious. In our PAES lab, a dedicated team of adults is supporting students as they build independence and confidence in their own work. And our Junior VE team members are hard at work, preparing for their next step with their dedicated teacher guiding the way.
It's a reminder that no two moments at WH look the same, but they're all rooted in the same belief: every student, every path, every day matters.
WHe Rise Together
⚡ SAFETY REMINDER: Nassau County law prohibits motorized scooters and Class 2 & 3 e-bikes on ANY county roadway, bike lane, sidewalk, park path, or public property. Violations can mean impoundment and fines up to $700. Report reckless e-bike riding to 911. #WHeRiseTogether
Ram Learning in Action
This week across our district, students brought learning to life through collaboration and real-world application. At @wh_secondary, students engaged in a Project-Based Exploration of Artificial Intelligence, working in small groups to research and problem-solve together. Writing, Design, and Presentation classes partnered up to build visual project boards, Chemistry classrooms buzzed with lab activity and scientific discourse, and Nutrition, Health, and Fitness students collaborated in an interactive, community-style setting.
Every classroom told the same story this week: students taking ownership of their learning and thinking critically about the world around them.
WHe Rise Together
This week across our district, students brought learning to life through collaboration and real-world application. At @wh_secondary, students engaged in a Project-Based Exploration of Artificial Intelligence, working in small groups to research and problem-solve together. Writing, Design, and Presentation classes partnered up to build visual project boards, Chemistry classrooms buzzed with lab activity and scientific discourse, and Nutrition, Health, and Fitness students collaborated in an interactive, community-style setting.
Every classroom told the same story this week: students taking ownership of their learning and thinking critically about the world around them.
WHe Rise Together
You know it's a great day to be a Ram when the flagpole gets a glow-up! 🐏✨ Black, gold, and full of #RamPride, that's the RamFam way. Thank you, Ramaintenance! #WHeRiseTogether
Teacher Assistant — Cornwell Avenue School | West Hempstead UFSD
📍 West Hempstead, NY | 🕐 Probationary Full-Time Position
West Hempstead Union Free School District is seeking a Teacher Assistant for a probationary position at Cornwell Avenue School (CA).
Position Details:
Probationary appointment
NYS Certification required
How to Apply:
Qualified candidates should submit a letter of interest, updated resume, and certification by September 14, 2026 online at www.olasjobs.org, addressed to:
Dina Reilly, Assistant Superintendent
West Hempstead UFSD
252 Chestnut Street, West Hempstead, NY 11552
West Hempstead UFSD is an Equal Opportunity Employer.
📍 West Hempstead, NY | 🕐 Probationary Full-Time Position
West Hempstead Union Free School District is seeking a Teacher Assistant for a probationary position at Cornwell Avenue School (CA).
Position Details:
Probationary appointment
NYS Certification required
How to Apply:
Qualified candidates should submit a letter of interest, updated resume, and certification by September 14, 2026 online at www.olasjobs.org, addressed to:
Dina Reilly, Assistant Superintendent
West Hempstead UFSD
252 Chestnut Street, West Hempstead, NY 11552
West Hempstead UFSD is an Equal Opportunity Employer.
Does Geography Determine History? GW Scholars Start With the Basics
This week, George Washington's 5th-grade social studies classes launched into one of the year's central themes: Does geography determine history? To build a strong foundation for that inquiry, students spent the week developing core geography skills, constructing compass roses, plotting map coordinates, and completing an exit ticket asking them to identify their town, state, country, continent, and hemisphere.
The activities are designed to ground students in spatial reasoning before they explore how geography has influenced civilizations across history, a skill they'll return to throughout the year.
WHe Rise Together. 🖤💛
This week, George Washington's 5th-grade social studies classes launched into one of the year's central themes: Does geography determine history? To build a strong foundation for that inquiry, students spent the week developing core geography skills, constructing compass roses, plotting map coordinates, and completing an exit ticket asking them to identify their town, state, country, continent, and hemisphere.
The activities are designed to ground students in spatial reasoning before they explore how geography has influenced civilizations across history, a skill they'll return to throughout the year.
WHe Rise Together. 🖤💛
“My favorite thing about West Hempstead is our coding program. I was part of the Hackathon last year and just being with my classmates while representing my town at a regional event, it just felt great.”
A Strong Start to Day 3, and a Happy Labor Day to Our RamFam
As we close out the third day of the 2026-27 school year, our hallways and classrooms are full of energy. Fifth graders spent time setting their goals for the year ahead, our youngest students are building new friendships, and our secondary orchestra students got their instruments and music organized as rehearsals begin.
WHe are grateful for the enthusiasm our students and staff have brought to these first few days, and we look forward to building on that momentum throughout the year.
As WHe head into the long weekend, we want to wish every member of our RamFam a safe, relaxing, and enjoyable Labor Day. Classes will resume on Tuesday.
WHe Rise Together.
As we close out the third day of the 2026-27 school year, our hallways and classrooms are full of energy. Fifth graders spent time setting their goals for the year ahead, our youngest students are building new friendships, and our secondary orchestra students got their instruments and music organized as rehearsals begin.
WHe are grateful for the enthusiasm our students and staff have brought to these first few days, and we look forward to building on that momentum throughout the year.
As WHe head into the long weekend, we want to wish every member of our RamFam a safe, relaxing, and enjoyable Labor Day. Classes will resume on Tuesday.
WHe Rise Together.
⚽ Calling all Rams! West Hempstead Secondary volunteers needed! ⚽
The West Hempstead Chiefs TOPSoccer program is back this fall, and we need @wh_secondary students (ages 11+) to sign up as Coach Buddies!
🌟 Team up with TOPSoccer players (ages 4–25+) with disabilities and help them learn skills, score goals, and have a blast
🌟 No soccer experience required — just enthusiasm and a great attitude
🌟 Commit to at least 3 Saturday sessions
🌟 Community service hours available — paperwork provided each session!
📅 Saturdays, 11:00 a.m.–12:00 p.m.
🗓️ Fall season: Sept 12 – Nov 7, 2026 (8 weeks)
📍 George Washington Elementary School Field, 347 Williams Street, West Hempstead
This is a great way to give back to your community, build leadership skills, and make a TOPSoccer player's day. 💙
📞 To sign up, contact Lauren Lee: (516) 581-0636 or LbbLee@aol.com
#RamFam #WestHempsteadChiefs #TOPSoccer #VolunteerOpportunity #CommunityService
The West Hempstead Chiefs TOPSoccer program is back this fall, and we need @wh_secondary students (ages 11+) to sign up as Coach Buddies!
🌟 Team up with TOPSoccer players (ages 4–25+) with disabilities and help them learn skills, score goals, and have a blast
🌟 No soccer experience required — just enthusiasm and a great attitude
🌟 Commit to at least 3 Saturday sessions
🌟 Community service hours available — paperwork provided each session!
📅 Saturdays, 11:00 a.m.–12:00 p.m.
🗓️ Fall season: Sept 12 – Nov 7, 2026 (8 weeks)
📍 George Washington Elementary School Field, 347 Williams Street, West Hempstead
This is a great way to give back to your community, build leadership skills, and make a TOPSoccer player's day. 💙
📞 To sign up, contact Lauren Lee: (516) 581-0636 or LbbLee@aol.com
#RamFam #WestHempsteadChiefs #TOPSoccer #VolunteerOpportunity #CommunityService
Day 2: Building Momentum Across West Hempstead
Our second day of the 2026-27 school year brought energy and connection to every building in the district. Students settled into classroom routines, formed new friendships, and engaged in hands-on learning, from collaborative work at the carpet to focused tasks at their desks. Staff continued building relationships with students and families as the year gets underway.
Two days in, the West Hempstead community is off to a strong start.
WHe Rise Together
Our second day of the 2026-27 school year brought energy and connection to every building in the district. Students settled into classroom routines, formed new friendships, and engaged in hands-on learning, from collaborative work at the carpet to focused tasks at their desks. Staff continued building relationships with students and families as the year gets underway.
Two days in, the West Hempstead community is off to a strong start.
WHe Rise Together
